The collar would work. It had to work. I couldn’t bear to see Vexxion like this any longer.
“I’ve got something for you, Vexxion,” I whispered, climbing onto the sofa beside him. “Something wonderful.”
“I’m here for you.” Brodine hurried over and lifted his hand toward me before letting it drop to his side. “You know, just in case.” He sat on the edge of the low table in front of the sofa, his hands loose on his thighs, his gaze fixed on Vexxion. “It’s going to work. I know it. He’ll be back, and then we can leave. We need to get out of here before more of those dregs arrive.”
He had that right.
I stared at the man I loved who was trapped in a world I couldn’t reach. Reyla hadn’t spoken much about the ether, stating only that it was as desolate as the dreg wasteland, that only sorrow and pain blew through that land, that she knew she’d die there if she didn’t escape. That she’d become one with the stars.
I tugged the collar from my pocket and held it out in front of Vexxion, though his gaze didn’t focus on the strands. “This is going to help you.” My swallow did not want to go down. “He won’t be able to use you any longer.”
It couldn’t bring Vexxion back, though I’d keep pouring my magic into him with the spell that seemed to help my friends.
Why hadn’t I asked the Liege for a spell that would drag Vexxion’s mind from the ether?
Because I knew that with the collar, he’d no longer be bound to a monster, and that was the most important thing. Ivenrail had ensnared Vexxion in a noose from the time he was a child, and finally, we could remove the wretched thing and toss it away.
My spell had worked with Brodine and Reyla. I’d make it work with Vexxion. No need to make a second bargain with a Liege who saw too much and demanded everything in exchange.
My love was so much taller than me. I couldn’t reach, so I climbed onto his lap. Knowing Ivenrail would no longer be able to track him, that he could no longer manipulate Vexxion, made hope soar inside me.
I rose onto my knees and leaned into him, pressing my forehead against his. I drew up power and sent it to him with the spell. Over and over until my hands shook, and I could barely hold onto the collar.
“Do it.” Brodine leaned in, his hand landing on Vexxion’s arm. “Hey, um, Vex? It won’t hurt.” He lowered his voice for my ears alone. “I don’t think it did. I don’t really remember.” My friend sounded so lost and alone. I couldn’t imagine what he’d been through. “But if it was horrible, I would’ve felt it. You can trust in that, Tempest. What you’re doing is right and it won’t hurt him.”
I was grateful to have Brodine here with me.
After sucking in a breath and shooting it back out, I wrapped the collar around Vexxion’s throat. It sunk into his skin. When the old one was rejected, I didn’t burn it like I ached to do. I placed it in my pocket for another time.
Everything.I would’ve given everything to be able to do this for Vexxion.
And I still might have to.
Vexxion sucked in a breath. Another. His head tipped back, and his eyes—his gloriously beautiful and now clear eyes—met mine.
“Fuck, it worked,” Brodine crowed, wiggling around on the table.
Drask squawked and flew up, landing on the sofa behind Vexxion. The bird leaned around to peer at Vexxion’s face.
“Vexxion,” I breathed.
He looked down at me . . . and I saw the glorious, gorgeous, delicious man I loved there.
My face stung from my wide smile, and tears sprung from my eyes and trickled down my face.
Cupping his shoulders, I kissed him, savoring how wonderful it felt to touch him in this way. We’d find time for us soon where we could—
He wrenched backward and scowled down at me. “Who in the fates are you?”
13
VEXXION
Avery beautiful fae woman had just kissed me, and I had no idea who she was. While I’d been with fae women in the past, using their bodies to escape my wretched existence while they did the same with me, I’d quickly found celibacy more appealing.
Now this one straddled my lap, staring at me with tears trickling down her cheeks and a sweet smile curling her plump lips that faded much too quickly. Despair drowned out her features, and I suspected I was the cause, though I had no idea why.
The crow I’d thought long dead hopped off the back of the couch to perch on her shoulder. He cocked his head and peered at me, not flying to me like he would’ve long ago.
